On May 11, 2026, Food Network will kick off the new season of BBQ Brawl, featuring Tim McLaughlin, a Dallas restaurateur. He’s representing Texas against cooks from various places around the world.
Tim runs Crossbuck BBQ in Farmers Branch. Originally from St. Louis, he transitioned from culinary instructor to pitmaster, bringing a unique mix to his menu. You’ll find St. Louis-style pork ribs, Carolina-style pulled pork, and classic Texas brisket all smoked low and slow.
This season was filmed in Austin and includes 12 aspiring pitmasters from cities like Atlanta and Boston, along with competitors from Italy. Alongside McLaughlin, another Texan, Braunda Smith, executive chef at Lucy Cooper’s Texas Ice House in San Antonio, joins the contest.
Betsy Ayala, president of Food Network, describes the competitors as “ultra-competitive,” adding that they’re not shy about some playful banter. McLaughlin hopes this opportunity helps him show his skills beyond just cooking brisket. He shared with The Dallas Morning News that he wants viewers to see who he truly is, moving past the negative press he’s faced in recent years.
Each episode features team captains like Bobby Flay, Maneet Chauhan, and Brooke Williamson, giving participants a chance to demonstrate their culinary talents. They’re judged by notable figures, including cookbook author Adrienne Cheatham and Carson Kressley from Queer Eye.
McLaughlin assures fans that the show’s excitement is real. “It is fast and a challenge for everyone,” he said.
In an interview, McLaughlin reflected on his preparation for the competition. With 25 years in cooking behind him, he focused on using his experience and staying calm amidst the chaos. “The time constraints were tough,” he admitted. “In a restaurant, things are organized with set recipes. Here, it’s much more spontaneous.”
He compared the experience to cooking dinner for his kids on a tight schedule. Despite the challenge, he found it fun and thrilling.
When asked if he’d participate in more cooking shows, he replied enthusiastically, “Absolutely. It was an awesome experience, and I’m much more comfortable on camera now.”
As the latest season of BBQ Brawl prepares to air, it’s worth noting that competition cooking shows have gained popularity, with nearly 55% of viewers in a recent survey saying they tune in for the entertainment as much as the recipes. This trend highlights a growing interest in culinary culture and the stories behind chefs.
The new season will air Mondays at 8 p.m., with episodes available on HBO Max the next day, running until July 6, 2026.
For more details, you can check out the show on Food Network.
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